Thesaurus results for PRECEPT

Q: How is the word 'precept' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of precept are canon , law , ordinance , regulation , rule , and statute . While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching. // the precepts of effective writing

Q: In what contexts can 'canon' take the place of 'precept'?

The words canon and precept can be used in similar contexts, but canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide. // the canons of good taste

Q: When might 'law' be a better fit than 'precept'?

Although the words law and precept have much in common, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority. // obey the law

Q: Where would 'ordinance' be a reasonable alternative to 'precept'?

While the synonyms ordinance and precept are close in meaning, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality. // a city ordinance

Q: When could 'regulation' be used to replace 'precept'?

The synonyms regulation and precept are sometimes interchangeable, but regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system. // regulations affecting nuclear power plants

Q: When would 'rule' be a good substitute for 'precept'?

The words rule and precept are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations. // the rules of the game

Q: When can 'statute' be used instead of 'precept'?

The meanings of statute and precept largely overlap; however, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body. // a statute requiring the use of seat belts

precept

noun

Definition of precept

as in principle

formal a statement by an authority of how people should behave the moral precepts of a religion

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word precept distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of precept are canon, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, and statute. While all these words mean "a principle governing action or procedure," precept commonly suggests something advisory and not obligatory communicated typically through teaching.

the precepts of effective writing

In what contexts can canon take the place of precept?

The words canon and precept can be used in similar contexts, but canon suggests in nonreligious use a principle or rule of behavior or procedure commonly accepted as a valid guide.

the canons of good taste

When might law be a better fit than precept?

Although the words law and precept have much in common, law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority.

obey the law

Where would ordinance be a reasonable alternative to precept?

While the synonyms ordinance and precept are close in meaning, ordinance applies to an order governing some detail of procedure or conduct enforced by a limited authority such as a municipality.

a city ordinance

When could regulation be used to replace precept?

The synonyms regulation and precept are sometimes interchangeable, but regulation implies prescription by authority in order to control an organization or system.

regulations affecting nuclear power plants

When would rule be a good substitute for precept?

The words rule and precept are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

the rules of the game

When can statute be used instead of precept?

The meanings of statute and precept largely overlap; however, statute implies a law enacted by a legislative body.

a statute requiring the use of seat belts

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of precept On May 6, 2026, a historic ceremony was held where a robot received the Buddhist precepts from a monk. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026 Yet, their rise did contribute to the prevention of the power of a single individual who would thwart the precepts of the Constitution. — Richard Davis, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026 But Felder also feared that the attack would provoke unprecedented violence against Palestinians, and believed that being Jewish required adhering to certain moral precepts. — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 Accordingly, the warring factions have competed to depict themselves as the true embodiment of MAGA and paint their rivals as undermining Trump or deviating from his precepts. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for precept

Recent Examples of Synonyms for precept

Noun

Sharp has traditionally paid its employees to attend an all-hands recognition event for those deemed by their peers to best meet the organization’s guiding principles.

— Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Instilling those same principles in their replacements are fundamental in the new era.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of principle

Noun

Earlier this year, Greenwood Village also amended its municipal code to prohibit low power e-scooters and class 3 e-bikes from city paths, trails and sidewalks.

— Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Law enforcement users will now also be required to enter a code from their records management system tying each search to a specific case before it is run, something Langley said civil liberties advocates have long been calling for.

— Sarah Rankin, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of code

Noun

So rather than roll those binary axioms up into a conclusion, there is an easier way to judge the scale of the future of AI, even if not its shape.

— Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Spiritual philosopher Alan Watts is mentioned in Past the Veil’s press release, and Lay imbues these axioms with profundity like only the best teachers can.

— Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026

Definition of axiom

Noun

Critics dismissed the polls, held in phases in December and January, as a sham designed to consolidate the military’s grip on power while ostensibly restoring civilian rule.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
For the first time, after decades of brutal Assad rule – by both Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad before him - the model of impunity in Syria has been broken, even if the penalty is unlikely to ever be carried out.

— Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of rule

Noun

His position on Saturday, and his performance, will offer clarity about who the Eagles value in their depth along the offensive line — and where.

— Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
She is alleged to have touted that the company had a potential future value of more than $4 billion.

— Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of value

Noun

The justice ministry rejected the criticism, saying the proceedings complied with Syrian law and included the participation of victims and their representatives.

— Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Compared with federal law and that of other states, New York has uncommonly strong protections for defendants facing multiple prosecutions — though they are not guaranteed.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of law

Noun

The oil market is not trading on fundamentals and has not been for months now, said Amrita Sen, founder of Energy Aspects.

— Spencer Kimball,Justina Lee, CNBC, 18 June 2026
But for investors and families willing to focus on fundamentals rather than forecasts, the path to long-term prosperity remains very much intact.

— Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026

Definition of fundamental

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“Precept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precept. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of precept

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